Algeria, 1994

Sir, your election to preside over the forty-ninth session

of the General Assembly is a timely tribute to your

outstanding professional and human qualities. It also

reflects the high regard in which your sister country, Côte

d’Ivoire, is held due to the sagacity and level-headedness

which it has shown in rising to the challenges of its

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national destiny and in performing its role on the regional

and international levels. Your election is also a tribute to

our continent, Africa, which this year sent to the

international community a message of hope through the

emergence of the united, democratic and non-racial South

Africa, which was solemnly welcomed to our ranks here a

few months ago.

Your predecessor, Ambassador Samuel Insanally,

added to his prestigious career an outstanding performance

in discharging his mandate, effectively and authoritatively.

To him we extend our best wishes in his future activities in

the service of Guyana, the Third World and the

international community as a whole.

To the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr.

Boutros Boutros-Ghali, I should like to reiterate Algeria’s

support of his efforts to strengthen the role of our

Organization as the crucible for international action toward

peace and development.

As we move toward the end of a century which has

made us aware of the global threats to peace, we stand in

need of a collective response, a new kind of political

thinking and an elucidation of the stakes involved in order

for us to better grasp the challenges that face the

community of nations today.

Given the heterogeousness of players and the

complexity of strategies, the present global disorder seems

to be shaping a new order of things wherein the various

strategic, economic, political, cultural, social and ecological

spheres tend to move closer together. This means that in

the highly fluctuating and fluid situation of the world in

which we now live, the international order makes it more

difficult to coordinate the practices of States and is forcing

improvisation and an absence of logic on the initiatives of

the international community. Hence the international

order’s penchant to find balance only in heavy-handed

tendencies that shape the future of peoples and of nations.

Therefore, it is urgent to remove those ambiguities that

are preventing the international community from moving

toward becoming the master of its own collective destiny.

In this respect, the United Nations, the repository of human

hope and the receptacle of human fears, has a particular and

important role to play as it represents an irreplaceable

forum for dialogue and concerted action.

Because it is also the vector of a vision of change that

would bring the course of international relations into line

with the purposes and principles of the Charter, the United

Nations must find in the convergence of wills the

motivation likely to advance our collective action toward

new horizons of peace, and of universally and equitably

shared security and prosperity.

The possibilities offered by the ending of the cold

war and the profound changes in the international system

have favoured new modes of interaction. We note here

that the streamlining of international interaction and of

social and economic dynamics has highlighted inequalities

and is shaping and reshaping constellations of forces that

are beyond the rules of the world system.

These manifestations of ambivalence and rupture are

cause for concern. They foreshadow a disturbing

redefinition of the global balance through a reshaping of

the destiny of numerous peoples and nations that are

faced with insecurity and injustice.

The arduous progress of the international community

toward building a global order whose norms of

functioning and laws of development would benefit from

universal acceptance clearly requires a new impetus to

ensure control over the changes that are taking place and

to integrate them into an orderly conception of transition.

Thus a security brought about by disarmament and

an agreed-upon and fully assumed solidarity that give

meaning and content to the Agenda for Peace and an

Agenda for Development as well as the results expected

from the first World Summit for Social Development

would carry this promise by offering a framework and a

raison d’être for a healthy remobilization of the

community of nations in tackling the next millennium

with the guarantee of a better future.

The Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77,

who, in their efforts, identify themselves with the

persistent quest for such a future, naturally and more than

ever manifest their interest and willingness to engage

resolutely in an effective and equitable partnership which

would mobilize energies in the service of this great

endeavour. My country will spare no effort in making its

contribution.

Nearly 40 years ago, on 1 November 1954, Algeria

undertook to stamp its own history with the seal of the

principles and objectives of the United Nations through its

struggle for liberation which it waged under the banner of

the equality of peoples and of their right to self-

determination.

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As an active member of the Organization and one that

has been involved in the realization of so many

achievements which brought honour to the United Nations,

Algeria has continually reiterated in this forum the

aspirations of its people which are the same as those of so

many other peoples whose experiences and identity it

shared. Whether it be a question of decolonization or of

development, of disarmament or of human rights, of the

democratization of international relations or of the actual

functioning of the Organization, Algeria has joined its voice

and its efforts to all those of good faith in setting its stakes

confidently on the capacity of the international community

to transcend conditions of expediency in order to harness

the great surges of consensus and universal mutual

assistance.

It is this same spirit which has ceaselessly motivated

the specific actions of my country within the framework of

the solidarity and cooperation of Maghreb, of the Sahelian-

Sahara, of Africa, and of the Arab and Muslim world as

well as in the Third World and the Mediterranean basin.

In that context, Algeria is fully aware of the

significance, the scope and the effects, in its immediate area

and beyond, of the profound work of national renewal in

which it is currently engaged with a great deal of faith and

determination. It is also aware of the sacrifices involved,

for its own sake as well as for others.

As during the November Revolution, which roused

awareness and freed creative energies, today it there is a

need to break with other forms of behavior and other

burdens, in order to anchor a young and ambitious society

in progress and modernity through pluralist democracy, the

valorization of the elements inherent to the national

character and the realization of universal ideals of social

justice and collective development.

The restoration of political stability, the consolidation

of a State of law and order, the relaunching of economic

growth which generates wealth and well-being, are a

necessary step in the multi-dimensional actions of the

authorities responsible for the period of transition during

which the inner resources of the citizens and the intangible

principles of the Republic must converge so that the open

political dialogue currently being conducted by the

President of State, Mr. Liamine Zeroual, may culminate as

soon as possible in the resumption of a pluralist, healthy

electoral process, that would express the popular will in a

spirit of full sovereignty.

It is in this spirit of determination and consistency

that the resolute battle of Algeria against violence and

terrorism - both in their manifestations and in their causes

- is inscribed. This necessary campaign derives from the

State’s obligation to ensure, foremost among Human

Rights, the protection of the fundamental right to life. It

implies that we bring to bear the same vigour in our

collective denunciation of all governments who prove

guilty of inciting and supporting terrorist violence or who

display willingness to engage in selective steps to prevent

the international community from implementing a

counter-strategy.

This year, Algeria has the privilege and the

responsibility of coordinating those Institutions engaged

in the building of Maghreban unity. In carrying out this

mandate which for Algeria represents a genuine

commitment to act in the service of all the peoples of the

region, we are engaged in consolidating gains and

promoting new initiatives while keeping in perspective,

given the historical juncture in which they occur, the

scope of certain difficulties, both indigenous and

exogenous, which impede progress toward the objectives

of the Arab-Maghreb union.

Among these difficulties is the particular situation in

which Libya has been put, namely that of being unable to

play its role in the valorization of regional

complementarities and in contributing to the economic

and social expansion of the region.

One must hope that the constructive proposals of

Libya for the implementation of the relevant resolutions

of the Security Council will enable it to quickly achieve

a peaceful and just solution to outstanding questions as

well as to the lifting of international sanctions which have

a negative impact on the living conditions of our Libyan

brethren.

Similarly, the people of the Western Sahara, whose

legitimate national aspirations it would be futile to hide,

await the scrupulous completion of the joint mission of

peace of the United Nations and the Organization of

African Unity. The holding of a fair and impartial

referendum for self-determination in conformity with the

settlement plan agreed upon by the two parties and

endorsed by the Security Council is one of the primary

responsibilities of the United Nations, under the Charter

and under the Declaration on the Granting of

Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. No

adverse factor should stand in the way of the discharge of

that responsibility.

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A just and lasting solution to the question of the

Western Sahara is also an important component of the

peace and stability of the region as a whole. It is also

inherent to the achievement of the liberation of the African

continent. This is why Algeria is encouraging the United

Nations Secretary-General to ensure credibility and the

utmost probity in the implementation of the settlement plan

while increasing efforts to have the Kingdom of Morocco

and the Polisario Front create a political dynamic which can

overcome all difficulties in the implementation of the

referendum process and beyond.

It was thanks to such a political dynamism that South

Africa honoured its rendezvous with history, to the

satisfaction of all, and that the United Nations was able to

play a positive role - something that Algeria welcomes and

finds gratifying. Apart from such specific elements, the

peaceful dismantling of apartheid in South Africa is also an

example for other African nations that are being torn

asunder by fratricidal strife.

With the continued assistance of the Organization of

African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations, Burundi and

Rwanda should be able to overcome the tragic

circumstances that have beset them and to opt for

harmonious coexistence among the elements of their

respective peoples, with a view to mobilizing their energies

in the service of national unity, democracy and

reconstruction.

The return of peace and concord in Angola and

Mozambique, in line with the agreements concluded and in

answer to the popular will freely expressed, should finally

enable those two brotherly peoples to heal the wounds of

past years and to contribute to making southern Africa a

region of prosperity.

Thanks to the effective participation of the countries

of west Africa, the situation in Liberia is moving toward a

lasting solution, to which all parties must feel committed if

the country is to be secured against a recurrence of violence

and instability.

The conflict in Somalia continues to be cause for

serious international concern. The international

community’s important presence in the field has had

satisfactory results in terms of humanitarian assistance and

of reduced tension. The time has come for all the Somali

factions to work toward facing up to the challenge of

coexistence and national reconciliation in line with their

people’s legitimate aspirations.

Starting with the Madrid Conference, the Middle

East has embarked on the path of negotiation with a view

to building a comprehensive just and lasting peace in that

sensitive area of the world which has endured terrible

bruising and suffering. Over the past year, important

steps have been taken on the road to peace, through the

conclusion of the Palestinian-Israeli and the Jordanian-

Israeli agreements. Algeria hails the conclusion of those

agreements and expresses the hope that these first steps

will be consolidated through effective and scrupulous

implementation of the provisions agreed upon and that

they will quickly be followed by significant breakthroughs

that meet the legitimate expectations of both Lebanon and

Syria.

The edifice of peace in the Middle East has solid

and positive foundations in international legality, and it is

important that in the building of that edifice care should

be taken to make it a structure of permanent validity and

comprehensiveness which future generations would accept

fully. Clearly, return of all the territories occupied by

Israel in 1967, including Al-Quds al-Sharif, and

implementation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian

people are prerequisites which should be at the heart of

the desired settlement.

Algeria, which participates in the multilateral

working groups that emanated from the Madrid

Conference, will continue to work with conviction for

maintaining the unity of the Palestinian and Arab ranks

with a view to consolidating the parameters of peace.

The unity of Arab ranks, which has been affected by

the consequences of the Gulf war, is an essential

prerequisite of the peace which the international

community encourages and supports in the Middle East.

From that point of view, an ultimate improvement in

relations between Kuwait and Iraq, on the basis of

international legality and with respect for the principles of

independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity,

the non-use of force or of the threat to use force, and

non-interference in internal affairs, is an imperative. Now

that the geographic framework of coexistence and

peaceful neighbourliness between the two countries has

been internationally enshrined, our hope is that the

unresolved humanitarian issues will be satisfactorily

resolved so that an atmosphere of reconciliation may

prevail and lead to concrete steps in that direction. The

economic sanctions that are causing such suffering to the

Iraqi people should be lifted, not only because the Iraqi

authorities have cooperated in implementing the Security

Council’s resolutions, but also because keeping the

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sanctions in place will be seen as a manifestation of

indifference toward a people in danger.

In the same spirit, I should like to reiterate Algeria’s

support for the reestablishment and preservation of the

sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over the islands of

Abou Moussa, Greater Tumb and Lesser Tumb, which are

still under foreign occupation.

The tragedy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is

daily becoming more serious, and which endangers the very

foundations of the United Nations in view of what is

happening to one of its Members, is a horrific test of the

credibility of the alleged movement, in international

relations, toward the reign of law and justice. Welcome as

they may be, the developments in international action that

have been taking place for a year now as a result of

awareness of the horrors of ethnic cleansing and of the

inhuman conditions imposed on the Muslim elements of the

population such developments have not put paid to the

extremism of the activist Serb minority or to its irredentist

ambitions which threaten the sovereignty and territorial

integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In

discharging its national responsibility for the higher

interests of its people at such a critical juncture in their

history, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is assured

of the solidarity and support of Algeria.

At a time when the Haitian people and the

international community have in sight a peaceful and

positive outcome to the crisis that has beset the Republic of

Haiti for some three years now, Algeria hopes that peace,

stability, democracy and progress will be established in that

country.

The twentieth century in the course of which mankind

has achieved considerable control over nature through

extraordinary scientific and technological advances will,

nevertheless, go down in history as the century which failed

to meet the need for real and full security for the human

race.

The shortening of distances, the interdependence of

nations, and the globalization of the economy and of

communications, coexist with an untenable inability to wipe

out hunger, poverty and numerous epidemics, while the

apocalyptic power of nuclear arsenals has exceeded all

rational limits.

The end of the cold war has made possible the

emergence of a concept of security based on general and

complete disarmament and on economic and social levers.

It is important that nuclear disarmament be relentlessly

pursued and that the few notable results obtained in the

reduction of nuclear arsenals by the United States and the

Russian Federation be expanded and strengthened by the

rapid conclusion of a treaty for a complete ban on nuclear

tests.

It is this spirit which has made Algeria work for a

new vision of collective security that would be based on

general and complete disarmament. Hence, my country’s

insistence that questions relating to disarmament and to

non-proliferation, and therefore to international security,

cannot be dissociated from those which relate to

economic and social development.

It is also in this same spirit that my country adopts

a clear and committed attitude to the peaceful use of the

atom. That is why it is an honour and pleasure for me

solemnly to announce from this rostrum the decision of

Algeria to deposit, during this session of the Assembly,

the instruments of adherence to the Treaty on the Non-

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. By its adherence to

that Treaty, Algeria hopes to contribute to the collective

enterprise of general and complete disarmament, by

means of which the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of

Nuclear Weapons must be raised, during its next review,

to the level of an effective instrument for disarmament

and a tool for the peaceful uses of the atom in the service

of development. Moreover, it is important that the

Convention banning chemical weapons should enter into

force and be fully effective.

Such a challenge imposes itself by the full weight of

its imperatives and through awareness of the dangers that

face a world in transition and in the grip of turmoil, a

world of uncertainty and one which bears powerful seeds

of fragmentation.

Clearly the growing gap in development between

North and South, which has been particularly exacerbated

by the lack of genuine dialogue, shows, with a renewed

sense of urgency, the need for the international

community to embark on the path of concerted action to

take in hand the phenomena of interdependence and, by

so doing, to extract the elements of firm cooperative

action in the service of development in a spirit of

solidarity.

In this context of accelerated globalization of

international economic realities, cooperation for

development clearly forms the only possible answer to the

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demands for new global regulation to ensure the conditions

for lasting and shared international security.

The message of the United Nations to which the

purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter are of an

unprecedented nature and scope in terms of their concept

and extent has encircled the globe and has won for the

Organization a degree of participation which brings its

membership close to a universality which is worthy of its

authority and influence.

The work of restructuring the United Nations system

and the debate on equitable representation within the

Security Council in this respect provide a valuable

opportunity for a close scrutiny of the institutional

functioning of the bodies of the Organization as well as

a future-oriented overview that takes into consideration

the need for democratization and participation in the

decision-making process so that all the bodies of the

Organization may always enjoy full legitimacy by

working on behalf of the international community as a

whole.

The revitalization of the United Nations through its

liberation from the practices and legacies of the cold war

presupposes that an outstanding role be given to it in

terms of the conception of global strategies and policies

for economic and social development.

The year which lies ahead now before the fiftieth

anniversary of the United Nations could be put to good

use to promote the control and ordered sharing by all

countries of the stakes at the end of the century. Thus

the international community can find, by acting in

solidarity and through concerted action, the springs for a

new dynamism of peace and cooperation. What is at

stake here is our common future.